"If the Chilean Government is successful in its request to China for market access for its citrus, Australian growers will face strong competition."

China's economic growth is expected to slow but remain above 6pc per year to 2020, with Chinese consumption increasing because of rising disposable incomes and improved availability of imported products.

The report said newly negotiated protocols have allowed Chile to export fresh fruit to China through combined sea and air shipments via transhipment to a third country.

"Chilean companies have invested in cold storage and quality inspection facilities in China, and have signed agreements with retailers to expand distribution networks," it said.

"These developments are expected to support Chile's competitiveness and slow Australia's export growth."

Notable mentions were given to the berry, avocado and almond sectors within the ABARES report as industries predicted to increase in value.

The report also highlighted the stagnated state of Australian per person vegetable consumption which essentially has not increased in the past six years.

The major challenges to Australian horticulture were listed as extreme weather, irrigation costs (particularly within the Murray-Darling Basin), seasonal labour shortages and significant pests such as fruit fly.